CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs are out on the West Coast for a nine-game road trip that kicks off tonight against the Angels. Javier Assad is back and starting, and here’s the Cubs lineup versus Angels lefty Tyler Anderson.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Nico Hoerner, 2BKyle Tucker, RFSeiya Suzuki, DHJustin Turner, 1BCarson Kelly, CIan Happ, LFPete Crow-Armstrong, CFDansby Swanson, SSMatt Shaw, 3B
With a lefty on the mound for the Angels, Nico Hoerner is back ot the leadoff spot and Michael Busch hits the bench. Feels like it’s been a while since we’ve had this particular combination of moves, but it also makes sense.
Well, notwithstanding Tyler Anderson’s career-long reverse splits. But whatever. The hitters have splits, too.
In any case, the left-handedness of Anderson will provide some cover for Owen Caissie not starting again in favor of Tucker, though I don’t know if anyone should actually expect Tucker to sit with any regularity. And, indeed, I’ll remind you that although I agree he’s been extremely not good – and Owen Caissie has felt like a spark – this Cubs team will still be better over the next six weeks if Tucker can find a way to turn it around. That is still in our rooting interest.
The one thing I don’t necessarily agree with is how low Matt Shaw is hitting. I really think it’s time for him to move up a bit in the lineup, especially against lefties. And I’m not really sure I am convinced by any of the obvious arguments to the contrary.
Lastly, as you’ll notice, Pete Crow-Armstrong has moved back down the lineup, with Justin Turner, Carson Kelly, and Ian Happ all ahead of him. Probably the right move. Go Cubs.
Los Angeles Angels Lineup:Zach Neto, SSNolan Schanuel, 1BMike Trout, DHTaylor Ward, LFYoan Moncada, 3BJo Adell, RFLogan O’Hoppe, CChristian Moore, 2BBryce Teodosio, CFPitching Matchup:
Chicago Cubs: Javier Assad, RHP
Javier Assad has made two starts since coming off the IL, both of which lasted just 4.0 innings. The second one, however, was much stronger, especially with respect to the contact quality allowed.
In his first start back, Assad seemed to be a little amped, throwing harder than usual and allowing a 91.2 MPH average exit velocity (one barrel and 7 hard-hit balls). But in his second start, he didn’t give up a single barrel and allowed just an 86.7 MPH average exit velo with only four hard hit balls.
The big difference, of course, is that the first game was against the Blue Jays in Toronto and the second was against the Pirates at Wrigley. But it was still good to see him dial it in a bit.
The Angels (98 wRC+) are not a particularly fearsome offense versus right-handed pitching, so here’s hoping for a solid start. Wouldn’t hurt if he gave the Cubs some length, too. Sure, Shota Imanaga went seven innings yesterday, and that helps, but we are on game 12 in the last 11 days with no off-day until Monday.
Los Angeles Angels: Tyler Anderson, LHP
Tyler Anderson has allowed four earned runs in five of his last six starts, and the one time he didn’t, he lasted only 4.2 innings against the Mariners. He’s got a tiny strikeout rate (17.6%), an elevated walk rate (9.3%), a high barrel rate (10.1%), and a massive fly ball rate (50.4%).
And while he is a lefty, he’s carrying reverse splits both this season and for his career, which bodes well for a Cubs lineup that has righties who hit lefties well and also a fair amount of lefties.
Bottom line? I can’t come up with a reason the Cubs lineup wouldn’t break out tonight. Or to say what I really mean: If the Cubs bats DON’T do damage tonight, there won’t be an easy excuse as to why.
Broadcast Info:
Chicago Cubs (73-55) vs Los Angeles Angels (61-66) at 8:38 pm CT – MARQ, 670 The Score
Miguel Amaya, CMichael Soroka, SPEli Morgan, RPJustin Steele, SP
Jorge Soler, OFChris Taylor, IF/OFGustavo Campero, OFAnthony Rendon, 3BBen Joyce, RPRobert Stephenson, RPHunter Strickland, RP
Location: Anaheim, California
Temperature: 80 degrees
Wind: Blowing out, weak (5-7 MPH)